Universal has released Mitchell Leisen's Midnight on DVD with an introduction by Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne but no other special features. That seems to be the lot with most of the output of Billy Wilder (who co-wrote the screenplay here), whose work deserves better treatment than it has gotten from most of the studios. That said, this is one handsome transfer of the movie -- the full-screen (1.33-to-1) image is crisp and sharp, with a texture of sprayed silver on a black background, with a good full audio track set at a healthy volume. Someone thought enough of this movie to give it a reasonably generous 18 chapters, in addition to that introduction and the original trailer -- it just begs for so much more as a film, in terms of support materials. But as far as it goes, it's fine, and the movie is so rewarding on its own terms, that it should be regarded as an essential acquisition for any fans of sophisticated screen comedy.

Christopher Nolan steps back into the director's chair for this sequel to Batman Begins, which finds the titular superhero coming face to face with his greatest nemesis - the dreaded Joker. Christian Bale returns to the role of Batman, Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the role of Rachel Dawes (played by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins), and Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger dons the ghoulishly gleeful Joker makeup previously worn by Jack Nicholson and Cesar Romero. Just as it begins to appear as if Batman, Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman), and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) are making headway in their tireless battle against the criminal element, a maniacal, wisecracking fiend plunges the streets of Gotham City into complete chaos.